"Apple is indisputably one of the world's most innovative companies and I'm thrilled to welcome them to Arizona," Brewer said in a statement at the time. "Apple will have an incredibly positive economic impact for Arizona and its decision to locate here speaks volumes about the friendly, pro-business climate we have been creating these past four years."

In opposing the bill, Apple joins a chorus of other groups who want to keep that "friendly, pro-business climate" alive.

The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Arizona Technology Council, the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have all spoken out against the bill, the Arizona Capitol Times said. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Phoenix Leadership have also urged the governor to veto the bill.

Condemning the bill as antigay, opponents say it would give businesses ammunition to use their religious beliefs to deny service to gays. Supporters of the bill say it's designed to protect the religious freedom of business owners.

About the author

Journalist, software trainer, and Web developer Lance Whitney writes columns and reviews for CNET, Computer Shopper, Microsoft TechNet, and other technology sites. His first book, "Windows 8 Five Minutes at a Time," was published by Wiley & Sons in November 2012.
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